Electric water heater issue

[Baz]

I have a 2009 (40 gallon) GE water heater that is not heating the water.

I replaced both upper and lower elements and thermostats and still no hot water.

The elements I removed looked OK as did the thermostats, although I didn't bench test them.

I have water coming out my hot water side of the faucet but it's not even warm. The output pipe on top of the water heater isn't either.

I do have power to both upper and lower elements.

This is a head scratcher for me at this point.

I'm not opposed to getting a new water heater but would feel better know why my old one is not working first.

Appreciate any suggestions/input.

The elements were both the same rating as my heater 240v - 4500w. They and the thermostats came in a kit by Everbilt.

[wdfifteen]

How have you determined that you have power to the heating elements?

[Baz]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

How have you determined that you have power to the heating elements?

Yes....120v to each side. Voltmeter with one lead on a terminal and the other on the water heater body to ground.

[wdfifteen]

Past my scheduled bedtime, but I would want more details. See you in the AM.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

Past my scheduled bedtime, but I would want more details. See you in the AM.

Thanks - sleep tight!

[Baz]

If I got 10 years out of this one, maybe it's time. I usually get an el cheapo from HD, which is what this one was, I'm sure.

Looks like another el cheapo is only $329, so I may go that route anyway. These things rust inside don't they? Maybe that's the problem.

Performance 40 Gal. Medium 6 Year 4500/4500-Watt Elements Electric Tank Water Heater

[Baz]

FWIW, I verified 120v on each leg of the breaker and the same thing on the wires going to the thermostat and the element so there's 240v total, so that part should be OK.

The water heater has been working just fine - but a few weeks ago it wasn't heating the water that good so I pressed the trip button on the top thermostat and it was back to normal. That was probably 3 weeks ago. That's why I went ahead with the element swap tonight - thinking one of them may have been shorting. But like I said, both didn't look too bad when I removed them.

At this point getting a new WH seems to be the way to go, considering how old this one is. My water closet sits in the middle of my home so don't like the idea of any leak issues trying to eek a few more months/years out of it.

[Lexus4321]

Voltage don't mean much. Invest in an inexpensive amp-clamp, then clamp a wire on a element, any amps when you think it should be on ?? No amps = no heat.

[asphaltgambler]

^^^^^^^^^^^^this

[Rusty Heap]

https://www.harborfreight.com/search?q=clamp%20on%20ammeter

[legion]

I replaced my electric hot water heater back in March with natural gas. Best decision I've ever made. Saves me about $100 a month in electricity.

[Baz]

Thanks again for the input!

I got up early the next morning and decided to double check the electric panel and not sure if this was the problem but I flipped the double breaker back on and off again and this time pushed hard on it while the off position - before flipping back over to on.

After a short period of time my water began heating up again and it's been working ever since.

Funny that the forum went down but things still worked out on my end - this time.

[Rusty Heap]

pour hot water on the circuit breaker........it'll help make mo' heat !!!

let us know how that turns out..........

[billybek]

Dip tube broken?

[dad911]

Originally Posted by Baz

Thanks again for the input!

I got up early the next morning and decided to double check the electric panel and not sure if this was the problem but I flipped the double breaker back on and off again and this time pushed hard on it while the off position - before flipping back over to on.

After a short period of time my water began heating up again and it's been working ever since.

Funny that the forum went down but things still worked out on my end - this time.

Time to change out that electrical panel. FPE stab-lok as I recall?

https://www.redbudinspections.com/dangers-of-stab-lok-circuit-breakers/

[Baz]

Originally Posted by billybek

Dip tube broken?

I shined my penlight into the tank while changing the elements and it looked very rusty and not all in one piece so I would say yes. Time for a new heater for sure.

Originally Posted by dad911

Time to change out that electrical panel. FPE stab-lok as I recall?

https://www.redbudinspections.com/dangers-of-stab-lok-circuit-breakers/

I know. It's on the to-do list. Hopefully next year.

You have a good memory!

[billybek]

Dip tubes are replaceable.
I did one on my old tank and ended up replacing the tank afterwards anyway.
Can't remember why...

[Baz]

Originally Posted by billybek

Dip tubes are replaceable.
I did one on my old tank and ended up replacing the tank afterwards anyway.
Can't remember why...

Thanks, Bill. Did not know this.

Based on this YT vid I just watched, I don't think that's my problem anyway. And whatever I thought I saw - it wasn't the dip tube apparently.

I have some corrosion on the outside at the bottom so feel I should go ahead and just get a new one. For $329 (+ sales tax) I think it's a no-brainer, ya know?

[gregpark]

Originally Posted by legion

I replaced my electric hot water heater back in March with natural gas. Best decision I've ever made. Saves me about $100 a month in electricity.

Did you mean to say you replaced your cold water heater?
Hot water doesn't need to be heated :^)